The Chicago Blackhawks have the 18th pick in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, giving them a variety of alternatives to continue bringing in fresh talent. However, all eyes will be on them when they select second overall.
The Blackhawks, who had initially been selected with the 20th overall pick, announced on May 24 that they had traded the 20th, 54th, and 61st overall selections for the 2024 18th and 50th overall picks from the New York Islanders. The Blackhawks now have eight selections overall in the 2024 NHL Draft—six of which are in the first three rounds—after this deal.
THW conducted a several mock drafts prior to this deal, during which the Blackhawks held the 20th pick. We will nevertheless examine those choices even if there are only two between them because they might still be relevant after the 18th selection. I recently took part in a mock draft with other THW writers, and I chose defenseman Artyom Levshunov with the second overall pick of the Blackhawks because I think that by the time the Hawks choose 20, all of the best defensemen will be gone, but there will be other solid forward options available.
Baracchini’s Draft in Mock
With the 20th pick, THW’s Peter Baracchini chose Liam Greentree for the Blackhawks. Every time Greentree steps onto the ice, Baracchini observes that he always accomplishes the small things correctly. With a devastating and deceptive release, his 6-foot-2, 207-pound physique helps him shield the puck exceedingly well.
There are many other things Greentree can do except score. He is an incredibly inventive player who has the ability to maneuver the puck like it’s on a string. Although it takes some time to master his puck control, particularly when moving, he makes it appear practically effortless. He is similar to much smaller players like Luke Misa and Berkly Catton in that he can think quickly under duress and produce some great highlight-worthy goals and plays. However, Greentree already has a large body, which offers him an advantage over most elite playmakers in terms of strength and reach.
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Center Michael Hage, who spent last season with the Chicago Steel in the USHL, is one prospect who might be a great choice at number eighteen overall. His ranking is consistently in the top 20, and Baracchini had the Islanders take him at number eighteen before they traded it to the Hawks.
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